Kendra from North Carolina // Transitioning Natural Hair Style Icon

What is your name, and where are you from?
K: My name is Kendra J Williams and I’m from North Carolina.

Did you transition or big chop? Share your natural hair journey with us!
K: Although I never had a relaxer, I used heat religiously until 2012, when I started my no heat challenge for a year. That turned into two years, and then three. So I’ve been working with my curls for the last 3 years now.

How would you describe your texture?
K: I honestly don’t know my hair type by the number chart/hair chart. My hair has different textures all over. It’s thick and curly. My hair behaves better when I do less to it. I’ve cut back on using a lot of different products and used what I know works. I still try new products but I’ve cut back on being a product junkie for sure.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month, and the rationale behind your various styling decisions.
K: Less is better for my hair. During the course of a month after a fresh wash, I normally 2 strand twist, 3 strand twist or 2 strand flat twist and keep either style in for at least a week. My go to products for my styles is Eden Body Works Curl Defining Crème and Hair and Body Icing from Sereniti Bath Body and You, both products are amazing. I may switch up sometimes but those 2 are a guarantee for bomb twistout, braidout or bantu knot out for sure.

What does wash day look like for you?
K: Wash day is typically a 2-3 hour process depending on what my hair needs at the moment. Now that I’ve changed my routine to once a month instead of every 2 weeks(which will probably go back to every 2 weeks with it getting warm), I usually shampoo, deep condition, and condition, followed up with whatever style I decide on. My favorite of all times is 2 strand twists probably because I can wear them in a bun, down or in an updo. As far as shampoos go, I like As I Am Curl Clarify Shampoo and Suave Rosemary Mint Shampoo. For regular or deep conditioning, I use either Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist, Suave Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner, or John Frieda Dry Scalp Hydrate and Nourish Conditioner. For my leave-ins, I like As I Am Leave-in Conditioner and Aussie. To style, I like Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Crème and Sereniti Bath Body and You Hair and Body Icing.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
K: It’s either a bun day or a shake and go type of day. Shake and go for me is a twistout, braidout, or bantu knot out. I sleep with my hair in a loose bun, instead of re-twisting each night. I usually change the look up with a hair accessory when I don’t have much time.

How do you combat shrinkage?
K: I’ve learned to embrace shrinkage. I’ve learned that when I style my hair wet it shrinkages up more, so I’ve been wrapping my twists instead of putting them in a bun. Shrinkage on my hair makes for a different hairstyle. My extreme shrinkage comes from bantu knots and 2 strand flat twistouts. Simply embrace the shrinkage, shrinkage means healthy hair.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require extra care and attention?
K: My biggest issue has been dry scalp, and drinking more water has helped that a lot.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
K: First, water. My hair loves water. Second, protective styles — whether it’s a bun, twists, braids, updo. My hair thrives when I don’t mess with it a lot.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
K: One, no air drying without products, it leads to a tangled afro. Two, sleeping without some kind of protection for my hair is a no go. Even with a satin pillowcase, I still protect my hair with a satin scarf or satin bonnet. My hair will be a tangled mess.

Is there a blog/webpage or social media account where we can find you?
K: I’m on Instagram: Kjoy08_joyfulhair87
Twitter too: joyfulhair87